What to Say When Asked ‘Why Vegan?’
Although it seems obvious to us vegans that the taste of meat, eggs, and dairy “products” don’t warrant the misery and death of billions of animals or their catastrophic impact on the planet and our health, the issues can sometimes be difficult to explain to others.
So we’ve summed up four of the main reasons for making the switch to vegan living.
Why Vegan? Because I Don’t Want to Pay for Cruelty to Animals
Every single animal is a sensitive individual with his or her own thoughts, feelings, and personality, yet – in the UK alone – over 1 billion cows, pigs, chickens and other animals are killed for food every year. They’re treated as nothing more than meat, dairy, and egg machines and typically kept in filthy, crowded conditions. Then, often when they’re only a few months old, they endure a stressful and terrifying trip to the abattoir, where many are killed while still conscious.
Most people claim to love animals, and would be horrified to see what they endure before their bodies are hacked to pieces and turned into burgers or sausages. Being vegan is about recognising that we should treat all animals, not just the ones who share our homes, with respect and compassion.
Why Vegan? Because I Enjoy Living on This Planet
Not only does animal agriculture cause horrendous suffering, it also contributes heavily to some of the largest environmental problems our world is facing today.
Animals on farms eat large quantities of grain, far more than the equivalent amounts of meat, milk, or eggs we take from them. More land is required to feed a meat-eater than a vegan, and animal agriculture places a severe strain on water supplies. In addition, the gases and waste produced by animals cause serious pollution, which is why the United Nations has said that a global shift towards a vegan diet is necessary to alleviate the worst effects of climate change.
With an ever-increasing number of vegan options readily available, choosing plant-based foods is one of the simplest ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
Why Vegan? Because I Don’t Want to Risk My Health
Eating animals is literally killing us. Consuming meat, eggs, and dairy “products” increases our risk of suffering from heart attacks, strokes, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. A recent study by Harvard University found that by swapping processed meat for plant protein such as lentils, beans and nuts, we can reduce the risk of early death by 34 per cent!
Add to that that the World Health Organisation determined that processed meat is a carcinogenic, just like cigarettes and asbestos, and it’s clear that we all need to start eating vegan to improve our health and life expectancy. It makes no sense to breed billions of living beings, cause them suffering, and then slaughter them just to create products that are bad for human health.
Why Vegan? Because the Food Is So Good!
By choosing vegan, you’re not only refusing to be part of a system that uses, abuses, and kills billions of individuals every year but also opening yourself up to an entire world of new flavours, tastes, and recipes. From vegan fried chicken to countless tasty options at chain restaurants, it has never been easier to go vegan.
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If you’re considering trying vegan, check out our Recipe section, which is full of breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas. You’ll also want to order a free copy of our vegan starter kit for advice, and support in making the switch!
